Several film production companies have filed recent BitTorrent copyright infringement suits in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, continuing national campaigns of “troll” copyright litigation by these companies and their affiliates.

One case was lodged by Cook Productions, LLC, an entity holding copyrights in the recently released Eddie Murphy period drama, Mr. Church. The film was awarded one star in a RogerEbert.com review, and panned by other critics as reflected in a 15% Rotten Tomatoes score, while audience reviews seemed to be more favorable.

As troll defense previously reported, Cook Productions is an affiliate of Cinelou Films, a production company with a “notable catalog of major motion pictures.” The Mr. Church lawsuits filed in Washington and various other federal courts across the U.S. represent the first known attempts by Cinelou Films at “troll-style” copyright litigation.

Another case was brought in the name of I.T. Productions, LLC which holds rights in the 2016 film, I.T., a “techno-thriller” starring Pierce Brosnan as a technophobic aviation tycoon troubled by technical problems affecting his launch of a new aircraft rental app.

I.T. Productions and WWE Studios are affiliates of Voltage Pictures, LLC, the instigator of countless other BitTorrent lawsuits involving film titles such as Dallas Buyers Club, Good Kill, The Cobbler, Fathers & Daugthers, Pay the Ghost, and TheHurt Locker.

These complaints allege copyright infringement by “Doe” parties through their use of BitTorrent file-sharing software. Along with generic allegations of BitTorrent-based copyright infringement, the suits seek statutory damages pursuant to the Copyright Act, attorney’s fees and costs, and an injunction against further infringement.

Like many other similar lawsuits filed in the same District, these cases were filed by attorney Todd Zenger of Kirton McConkie. A case listing with links to the complaints is below.

Troll Defense

About

Benjamin Justus is one of the few attorneys in the nation who has for years represented individuals, families and businesses that have been sued or threatened with suit for alleged internet-based copyright infringement by various owners of intellectual property in films, music, photographs and other works. He has assisted hundreds of parties who have been involved in such claims. His practice is expanding to include other aspects of liability arising from internet activities, including trademark infringement, defamation, and circumvention of protective technologies.